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Are We Living to Die?

My Fear of the Forever 9–5 Grind and the Rush to Adulthood

By SumayaPublished 8 months ago 2 min read
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Are We Living to Die?
Photo by Doğukan Şahin on Unsplash

When we were a kid, the world served as our playground. We had ambitious goals since we thought maturity was all about independence and adventure. However, somewhere along the line, we matured too quickly, and now here we are, ticking the clock and questioning whether we are simply living to die.

The Horrible 9 to 5 Vortex

Let’s face it, the standard 9 to 5 schedule may be draining on the soul. We seem to be stuck in a continuous loop of meetings, workplace cubicles, and alarm clocks, living life on repeat. Don’t get me wrong; some people do well in this environment, and that’s great. However, it fills some of us with fear.

What keeps me up at night is my fear of eternal life. It’s horrifying to consider having to attend the same meetings, get up at the same time every day, and perform the same responsibilities for decades on end. Our lives seem to be running automatically, and we are stuck in a cycle.

Growing Older Too Soon

Do you remember how eager we were to become adults? Congratulations, then — we did it! But now I frequently question whether I hoped for this too hard. The obligations, expenses, and demands of society appear to have increased our growing process. I long for the times when choosing what game to enjoy with friends after school had been my top priority.

Living to Die?

The existential twist is this: Are we just going to pass away? It’s an idea that could make you feel lost in the greater scheme of things. Even though the time we have in this world is really brief, it feels like a lot of it is spent trying to maintain our financial security and conform to social expectations. Is this the essence of life, or is there anything else?

Looking for a Glimpse of Freedom

Despite these worries, there are times when we are reminded of what life is really all about. It may be the joy of taking up a new pastime or simply soaking up the warmth of a genuine conversation. It could be an unplanned getaway with friends, a weekend retreat to explore nature or a lot of other things. These few moments of freedom serve as a reminder that life may be exciting and full of adventures outside of the routine.

Taking Back the Adventure

What then is the plan? The adventurous spirit has to be reclaimed. The 9-to-5 work is a part of life, but it’s not everything. We have the ability to bring back the sense of surprise, enthusiasm, and curiosity that we had as children. It’s about discovering new interests, fostering connections, and setting aside time to do the things that are most important.

Life isn’t only about getting somewhere or hitting a certain milestone. It involves savouring each moment, accepting serendipity, and making memories along the way. It involves realising that working from 9 to 5 is only a portion of our journey and not the whole of it.

In the end, we’re all riding this life’s rollercoaster together. Put your seatbelts on, raise your hands in the air, and shout at the top of your lungs because, whether you like it or not, you’re here to experience life, not simply to die.

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About the Creator

Sumaya

Step into a realm of inspiration—where resilience, unwavering passion, and the joy of lifelong learning intertwine. Join my journey, fueled by a passion for writing and reading, as we embrace uncertainty, spark growth, and redefine success.

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